Chapter 41 : Protected by the Shadow Alpha Chapter 41. Protected by the Shadow Alpha ( Scarletts POV ) Romans grip on the steering wheel was firm , his knuckles white against the leather as if containing the simmering frustration I could feel through our hond . The fleeting headlights of passing cars thaminated his icy blun eyes , now darkened with unresolved irritation from the council gathering . Beside him , Aiden sat sprawled lazily in the backseat , his playful smirk unbothered by the tense atmosphere . I ndanted myself in the passenger seat , the unease from earlier still prickling below the surface . You didnt need to cause that much of a scene back there I muttered softly , breaking the silence but not meeting Romans gaze . My pride was bristling under the memory of his protective and territorial actions at the council Roman didnt respond immediately , his jaw tightening . He finally said in a low voice , almost to himself , You deserved better than the chaos they made you walk into A snort came from the backseat . Hes always been like this , Overprotective to a fault , Alden said , stretching his legs and giving me a teasing glance through the rearview mirror . Scarlett , you make his life far too exciting . Although I will say , the entertainment is top notch tonight . Daniels face hitting the floor thats something Ill play in my memory on repeat . Romans icy glare in the mirror froze Aiden mid motion , but the smirk didnt leave the healers face . What ? Im just stating facts , Aiden added with mock innocence , shrugging . I bit back a smile , feeling the faintest flicker of warmth breaking through the tension . You could have at least waited until after I grabbed some food . though , I pointed out , staring out the window . The whole scene ruined my chance at negotiating peace with those muffins . Aidens eyebrows shot up . Muffins ? Youre worried about muffins ? You just sent half the council acrambling for damage control , Scarlett . Hunter , leaning casually against the door , scoffed . Shes been like this since we were pups , he said lazily . Little wolf here wouldnt eat anything unless the legendary Roman either hunted it or prepared it . Used to drive the entire Thorn Pack kitchen insane . The memory stirred something in me , warm yet slightly bittersweet . I glanced briefly at Roman , his jaw twitching , though his expression remained locked in stern silence . Grew up Aiden chuckled again , sending a mischievous glance toward Roman . Actually , shes lucky she had you doting on her like that back t healthy and all . Dont get me wrong she resembles a pup finally catching its stride tonight , Aiden added with a cheeky grin . Romans voice sliced through the air , low and cold . Thats enough , Aiden . The weight of Romans tone shut Alden up instantly . It wasnt just a warning it was a warning with the edge of a blade behind it . The healer leaned back , raising both hands in playful surrender but wisely staying quiet after that , Despite Romans ominous stare aimed at the road , I felt the corners of my lips twitch into a smirk . It was momentarily satisfying to see someone else weather Romans protectiveness besides me And then , as I opened my mouth to rejoin their banter , the loud growl of my stomach filled the tense silence . The sound was unavoidable , echoing through the confined space like a dinner bell announcing its absence . My cheeks heated as the three men , startled at first , simultaneously turned their gazes toward me Hunter looked like hed choke from holding back laughter . Alden , on the other hand , had no such reservations and burst out laughing , the sound filing the car. His laughter made the moment worse as I buried my head into my hands , wishing the ground would swallow me whole . Shouldve just grabbed one of those muffins , Hunter quipped from his side with a sly grin , Or are we going on another hunger strike until Alpha Roman approved meal prep ? I glared at him through my fingers . Youre not helping . Romans grip on the steering wheel tightened as his gaze ficked pointedly at Hunter this time . It was enough to stifle the guards sarcasm into a sheepish shrug , though I still caught his muffled chuckle . Roman shot me a side eye glance , his concerned expression betraying the steel like demeanor . You havent eaten ? he asked , his voice calm but laced with an edge of dissatisfaction . 1/3 Chapter 41 Protected by the Shadow Al I didnt have the chance , I muttered , leaning back against the seat . Between Sophie and her nonsense , and then the showdown with Daniel food wasnt exactly a priority. The atmosphere in the car plunged a few degrees colder no words were said , but Romans mood curled tightly into something dangerously close to fury . Through our bond , faint waves of guilt and protectiveness rippled my way , making things simultaneously warmer and heavier . Hunter coughed awkwardly . To be fair , he hedged carefully . I was steering her toward the snack table before Sophie started flapping her mouth Romans glare , now fully unleashed , silenced Hunter entirely . Not helping my case , I suppose , Hunter muttered under his breath . Clearly Romans single word carried all the weight needed to stop the jokes from continuing . His focus returned to me . You should have let me for the mess she caused sooner , I tried deflecting again . Tm fine , Roman . I eat when we get back . He didnt look convinced . His protective streak was at full force tonight , and I wasnt escaping it . Even Aiden , who had been unusually quiet under Romans deadly stares , broke the uncomfortable silence . Well have the most extravagant least ready for you back home , he said , a theatrical hand pressed to his heart . Everything your picky childhood palate could dream of , Little Wolf . Roman looked dangerously close to throttling Aiden , who seemed to find this amusing Its not about being picky its about standards , I retorted sharply , my embarrassment melting as i almed a glare at Aiden Well , lets see if those standards include whatever Hunter finds edible on the ride back , Aiden joked , lazily flicking the corner of his collar . Romans icy expression dropped entirely . Not another word . The healer leaned back into his seat with a grin that said hed treasure this for a while . My eyes rolled , though this is time , warmth crept alongside my annoyance . These chaos filled moments , quarrels or not , made the strain from earlier meetings or even childhood burdens feel lighter somehow . The car continued its course toward safety , Romans unyielding grip guiding us home while his presence just like his wolf Logan remained unwaveringly strong at my side . ( Alexanders POV ) The dimly lit corridor outside the sacred healing chamber was suffocating tonight . Frustration clawed at my insides as Sarahs voice buzzed through the shared mindlink , echoing what Mason and I already knew Grace was slipping further into agony . Her pained gasps from the other side of the chamber door twisted my gut tighter . Every sound was like a knife twisting deeper , Mason pacing furiously , unable to do anything . Sarahs tone was sharp with desperation . Alexander , this isnt an option anymore . Alden Walsh was at the council tonight I saw him , she said , her words edged with urgency . You know theres no one better when it comes to silver poisoning I know , I snapped back , my voice harsher than intended , Mason growled in agreement , his restless energy prickling my skin like an open wound . Sarah paused before continuing , calculating her next plea carefully . Wexander . Grace doesnt have much time . If theres any chance to approach him -or Hazel . Her voice broke mid sentence , laced with helplessness before steadying . You must do whatevers necessary . You must bring them both . Jason, standing nearby with his arms crossed , shot me a glance but remained silent . He looked as worn down as I felt , weighed by the endless search efforts turning up little more than dead ends . Sarah I replied tightly . Alden Walsh is likely tied to Scarlett and that Alpha . You think hes going to listen ? Act neutral in this ? The bitterness in my tone soured the air . The image of Scarlett within arms reach of that mysterious Alpha sent Mason snarling in my chest . Even now , the humiliation burned hot under my skin . Try anyway , Sarah urged . Her desperation broke through once more . If theres anyone who might have half a chance here , its you . Whether you hate her or not Scarlett has their ear 2/3 Her reminder made my fists clench , Depend on Scarlett ? The woman who orchestrated half this storm herself ? Jason spoke reluctantly . Sarahs right about one thing Alden could speed up treatment , assuming his methods bypass Graces resistance . Sarahs voice interjected again , raw with restraint . Grace can survive this , but not if we hesitate . You know whats at stake what you stand to lose . Chapter 41 Protected by the Shadow Al Her words hung heavy in the air , Graces fragile whimpers behind the door clawed at every nerve left intact . Chapter 42. Retribution Title: Accidentally Pregnant, Forever Spoiled Author: CrushReel Genre: Romance, CEO, Sweet Romance, Modern, Romantic, Hidden Feelings, Mansion, Office, Glow-Up Status: ongoing In "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" by CrushReel, Ella's journey unfolds amidst the complexities of family dynamics. Raised by her remarried mother and stepfather post-divorce, Ella grapples with a history marked by indifference and mistreatment. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when a twist of fate leaves her facing an unplanned pregnancy that intertwines her path with unforeseen consequences. Exploring themes of resilience and self-discovery, this tale delves into Ella's transformation from a past shrouded in shadows to a future illuminated by newfound strength and determination. Against the backdrop of a modern setting blending elements of romance and corporate intrigue, the narrative weaves together the threads of hidden emotions and personal growth. As Ella navigates the challenges of balancing her evolving circumstances with her own desires, readers are drawn into a captivating story that transcends traditional boundaries. What sets "Accidentally Pregnant Forever Spoiled" apart is its poignant portrayal of inner conflicts and external pressures in a world where love and ambition collide. Offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of relationships and identity, this novel invites readers to immerse themselves in a tale that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Discover Ella's journey for yourself; available to read online at CrushReel.